Nupur Bhakri
Project Lead – Senior Designer, Awfis Space Solutions Private Limited
Interview Part- 1

In our “The Best Creators” Editorial segment, we are delighted to feature Nupur Bhakri, Project Lead – Senior Designer at Awfis Space Solutions Private Limited. With more than nine years of experience, Nupur has established herself as a versatile design professional and visiting faculty, known for bringing innovation, clarity, and purpose into every project she leads. Her journey reflects excellence in diverse areas, ranging from conceptualization, scaled drawings, and 3D models to material presentations, project planning, and seamless execution. Having worked extensively across commercial verticals, she skillfully balances contemporary design trends with compliance, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
When passion meets purpose, a career transforms into a journey of impact. For Nupur Bhakri, this journey has spanned nearly a decade, weaving together design excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to sustainability.
Designing with Purpose, Building with Care
Currently serving as a Project Lead – Senior Designer at AWFIS Space Solutions, Nupur’s career path reflects her versatility and dedication. She began her professional voyage with Space Metrics, then contributed to the creative vision at M Moser Associates, and now brings her expertise to AWFIS where she continues to shape workplaces that inspire.
Her credentials speak volumes: Visiting Faculty, USGBC LEED Accredited Professional, and IGBC AP all testaments to her commitment to design that not only looks good but also does good for the industry.
For Nupur, design has always been more than just creating spaces. She believes in weaving sustainability into every project, ensuring that her work contributes to the well-being of people and the environment alike. She mentioned, “It’s not just about the design. It’s about how we can take care of our planet while doing it.”
Her story reminds us that creativity holds its true power when guided by responsibility—a value that makes her journey inspiring for the industry and beyond.
Design Beyond Aesthetics: Nupur Bhakri’s Guiding Philosophies
When it comes to creating spaces that truly resonate, Nupur Bhakri believes that design begins not with form, but with function. She stated that her project starts with a good layout including a foundation where the flow, purpose, and usability of a space are thoughtfully aligned. Once the function is right the form and design naturally follow, seamlessly blending into the environment.
Nupur emphasizes three other pillars beyond functionality: sustainability, detailing, and timelines. She views sustainability not as a buzzword but as a responsibility. Every design decision should respect resources and contribute positively to the future. Meanwhile, Detailing is where the magic lies and that thought brings coherence, refinement, and longevity to any project.
She mentioned, there is one more factor often overlooked viz. Time and in my words, “time is money.” Projects that stay aligned with timelines not only build trust but also reflect discipline and respect for everyone involved.
Together, these four guiding forces—functionality, sustainability, detailing, and timelines form the backbone of Nupur Bhakri’s design philosophy. To her, all these factors are not just principles but commitments that shape every project into a purposeful, enduring space.
For Nupur, each space is more than just walls and ceilings; it’s the result of carefully balanced choices that ensure beauty, utility, and responsibility coexist. Her philosophy defines her journey as a designer and the projects she brings to life.
Power of Clarity: Nupur Bhakri on Efficiency in Practice
In the fast-paced world of design and execution, where multiple stakeholders are involved and projects move with high intensity, efficiency often becomes the deciding factor between success and struggle. Clear communication and meticulous documentation is the perfect answer for Nupur which lies in something simple yet transformative.
Reflecting on her journey, Nupur shared how these practices have been her constant companions since the very beginning of her career. She explained, “For me, it’s been about communicating well with clients, management, team members, and contractors and making sure outcomes are properly documented. Whether it’s minutes of meetings or project updates, when things are in black and white, there’s no room for ambiguity”.
Nupur believes that this disciplined approach doesn’t just keep projects on track but also safeguards the organization and its clients from the pitfalls of miscommunication. By encouraging her team to follow the same practice, she ensures continuity, accountability, and trust across every stage of the project.
She added “We are human and we tend to forget or overlook things. But when you document, you create a reliable memory for the project. It’s always been the key for me”.
Basic Fundamentals: Lessons Every Designer should Carry Forward
Every project tells a story, but behind every great story lies a set of strong fundamentals. For Nupur Bhakri these fundamentals are the guiding principles or learning she wishes to pass on to peers and emerging designers in the industry.
She believes that design excellence begins with clarity, getting the right concepts, paying attention to details, and understanding the efficiency of materials being used. But she doesn’t stop at drawings and plans. According to Nupur, true learning comes from the basic ground up.
She emphasizes “Be on site as much as possible. The more time you spend there, the better you understand how materials work and how the project breathes in its real, three-dimensional form.” For her, this hands-on experience builds the bridge between theory and practice, and it’s the wisdom she continually shares with her teammates: get your fundamentals right, and the rest will follow.
Client-Centric Design Challenges: How Nupur Bhakri Balances Client Expectations
In every designer’s journey, challenges often turn into lessons that shape their professional outlook. For Nupur Bhakri, one of the toughest challenges has been navigating the constantly shifting client requirements.
Nupur reflected candidly, “As designers, revisions are a part of our work. But when requirements keep changing during the course of a project, it becomes a real challenge. Each change demands revisions, re-documentation, and repeated communication. This not only delays purchase orders but also extends timelines while keeping vendors on standby”.
Yet, she believes the way forward lies in clarity and collaboration. Instead of letting the process turn chaotic, Nupur has developed her own approach. She added “For me, it’s about listening to the client while keeping communication transparent with both clients and vendors. We make sure to set clear expectations on budgets, lead times, and timelines. Clients understand the cost implications, vendors know the urgency, and everyone remains on the same page in that way.”
Her philosophy reflects a fine balance valuing the client’s vision while ensuring realistic project delivery. It’s this thoughtful approach that keeps the workflow smooth, even when the path is full of revisions.
Clients’ Expectations: Design that Balances Dreams and Realities
When asked about the essentials her clients value most in a space, Nupur Bhakri shared an insight that beautifully captures the heart of design.
She explained, “For most clients, the first thing they look at is the design itself, how the space looks, feels, and flows. Right after that, it’s about the layout and functionality, how well the space adapts to their needs and makes daily life easier. The choice of materials also matters deeply, because people today are more conscious about durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. And, of course, everything ties back to the budget.”
In her words, it’s always a delicate balance: “Clients want good material, good quality products, a fair budget and above all, a thoughtful design that brings it all together.”
Learning Beyond Boundaries
For Nupur, staying ahead in design trends is not just about following what’s new—it’s about embracing every opportunity to learn. She shared, for her seminars and exhibitions often spark fresh perspectives, while regular interactions with vendors and the travel that comes along with it open doors to evolving ideas.
However, what excites her most is the shift she observes in today’s clients. “They are well-traveled, exposed to global experiences, and often bring unique ideas to the table,” she conveyed. This exchange of thoughts not only enriches projects but also makes the learning process a two-way journey.
For Nupur, the world of design is ever-expanding, and inspiration flows from everywhere—be it professionals, partners, or even clients themselves.
Turning Challenges into Milestones
Interview Part-2
For Nupur, one project stands out as the defining moment of her career — the Mahindra & Mahindra project in Worli, Mumbai.
She explained “It was a prestigious assignment, nearly 2,00,000 sq. ft. across seven floors, and what made it truly unforgettable was the timing. We executed it during the COVID era, when timelines were tight, materials were scarce, and uncertainties loomed large. Yet, it became a project that tested and proved our resilience.”
Despite the constraints, meticulous planning and value stream mapping laid the foundation. Every detail was accounted for before execution began, ensuring that the project didn’t just move forward it thrived.
By 2023, the office stood complete: a fully functional workspace that symbolized perseverance, adaptability, and precision.
Nupur reflects, “For me, it wasn’t just about completing a project. It was about overcoming challenges that seemed insurmountable at the time. That’s why it remains one of the most defining chapters of my career.”
Three Game Changers that can Redefine Design Industry
When asked what could truly transform the future of the design industry, Nupur didn’t just share ideas, she painted a vision. Her thoughts flowed like a narrative of responsibility, empathy, and innovation, each point reflecting her philosophy as a designer.
First, Design Spaces considering Human Requirements. She believes Spaces should not just be about layouts and materials, but about people their emotions, their comfort, and the way their senses respond to an environment. For her, design must be deeply human-centric, evoking a sense of wellness and belonging.
Second, sustainability should be a priority. Nupur sees this not as a trend, but as a necessity. She added, Sustainable choices in design are not only vital for the environment but also for the industry’s evolution. And sustainability doesn’t always have to mean high costs or luxury materials. It can be as simple as going vernacular, sourcing locally available materials, and respecting budgets while protecting the planet.
Third, balance between human-centric designs and sustainability. Human-centered design and sustainability, when brought together thoughtfully, can be the ultimate game changers and shaping spaces that are meaningful, mindful, and future-ready.
In her words, these three principles empathy, sustainability, and balance hold the power to redefine the way we build and experience spaces.
Build Foundations before Flying High: Tips for Newcomers
In her conversation with us under The Best Creators segment, Nupur Bhakri shared some heartfelt advice for young designers stepping into the industry.
For Nupur, the early years of a designer’s journey are all about grounding oneself in the basics. “Get your fundamentals right,” she emphasized, reminding freshers that no amount of design flair can substitute real-world understanding.
She urged newcomers to spend time on-site, to observe the nuances of execution, and to engage actively with vendors and peers. She believes these experiences are what truly sharpen a designer’s perspective.
Networking, continuous learning, and never letting curiosity fade were other cornerstones of her guidance. “Don’t limit yourself once you feel you’re good at something. Keep brushing your skills, explore new ideas, and keep updating your education. That’s how you build a portfolio that speaks for itself,” she added.
Her words remind every budding designer that success in this industry isn’t just about creativity, it’s about resilience, relationships, and the relentless pursuit of growth.
Building Trust through Materials: Nupur Bhakri’s Call to Vendors
Nupur Bhakri shared a thoughtful perspective rooted in both practicality and responsibility when asked what building material vendors can do to better serve the design industry.
She explained “The first thing we look for in any product is quality”. But in today’s evolving landscape, quality is only the starting point. The selection process has become more rigorous and mindful with the growing demand for LEED-certified and WELL-certified projects.
Designers and clients now seek materials that carry credible seals whether its Green Seal certifications, Cradle-to-Cradle assessments, or lifecycle transparency. These credentials are no longer just add-ons; they are decisive factors in shortlisting products.
Nupur emphasized “Having these certifications makes it easier for us and our clients. It saves time, builds trust, and ensures that the chosen material aligns with the larger sustainability goals.”
She further highlighted the importance of clarity from vendors that vendors can provide a clear picture of a product’s lifecycle and performance timelines, it helps us make faster, more informed decisions.
Her message is simple yet powerful that vendors who prioritize quality, sustainability, and transparency will not just supply materials. They will shape the future of responsible design.
Collaboration Beyond Design: Suggestions for Contractors to Innovate
When asked what could make the industry stronger and clients happier, Nupur stated a thoughtful perspective for turnkey contractors. “As designers, we often find ourselves deeply immersed in concepts, aesthetics, and client interactions. But when it comes to execution, there are moments where we become limited by how details will eventually take shape. This is where contractors can truly make a difference,” she reflected.
Nupur emphasized the power of innovation at the contractor’s end. She believes that if contractors bring fresh ideas whether in execution methods, use of new materials, or practical problem-solving, it can transform projects in meaningful ways.
She added, such collaboration not only improves timelines and efficiency but also creates opportunities for mutual learning. Designers get exposed to smarter ways of bringing their visions alive, while contractors gain insights into the creative process.
“Innovation from contractors doesn’t just make our jobs easier it makes the industry better, and ultimately makes clients happier” Nupur concluded.
Leading by Example: Nupur Bhakri’s Take on Effective Leadership
Nupur Bhakri shared her philosophy in a way that reflects both simplicity and depth about what makes leadership truly effective. For her, Leadership is less about authority and more about setting the right example for her.
She explained, We lead by example, highlighting that a leader’s work ethic often becomes the mirror in which the team sees themselves. The way you approach challenges, deadlines, and responsibilities shapes how your team responds in return.
Clear communication is the second pillar. Defining expectations both in terms of individual contributions and project goals creates clarity, prevents confusion, and builds trust.
Finally, Nupur believes in the power of motivation. Recognizing efforts, celebrating achievements, and rewarding milestones are essential to keeping the team’s spirit alive.
Design the Future of Work: Beyond Beautiful Spaces
When we think of modern offices, the first images that often come to mind are stylish interiors, sleek furniture, and vibrant colors. But for Nupur Bhakri, the essence of a workspace goes much deeper than aesthetics. “Offices are not just about looking beautiful. They must be functional, human-centric, and sustainable” she reflects
For her, these three pillars form the true foundation of the future workplace. Functionality ensures that spaces support productivity and flow. A human-centric approach acknowledges that people spend 8 to 10 hours daily within these walls, making comfort and well-being essential. And sustainability is no longer optional, it is a responsibility that shapes how spaces can endure and inspire in the long run, Nupur stresses.
“When designers embrace these three elements’ spaces become more than just offices. They transform into game changers for the future of work” she emphasizes.